• Strewth what a load of tosh, just get on yer bike , dont mess about and knock the distance off....have fun...

    Nice idea but it doesn't work like that. 120 undulating miles fixed in winter into a probable headwind requires planning.

    About three years ago, I went out for a Saturday morning ride. I was feeling good and moving swiftly. I got to Richmond Park and decided against laps but to continue instead towards Ascot and Windsor. I was flying. Close to Virginia Water, the rain started but i was riding well and so carried on. As I hit Runneymead, I realised that my good form was more down to a strong easterly tailwind than my fitness.

    The cold wet wind blew through me. I was inadequately dressed. I was soaked. My gloves were not waterproof and I had no shoe covers on. My hands and feet froze. I shivered. I stopped shivering. I felt lightheaded. As i got closer to central London, I became concerned about my judgement at junctions. I was struggling. Eight miles from home I punctured. With frozen hands and a freezing body, it took almost half an hour to change the inner tube. I got home and looked into the mirror to see my lips had literally turned blue. I was suffering from hypothermia. I managed to strip off my wet clothes and jump into a hot bath where I lay for ages until my core heat was restored.

    A bit of planning and I would have noticed the wind direction and the likely hood of rain. I would have dressed properly with waterproof gloves, overshoes and more layers and probably ridden east rather than west.

    A ride of 120 miles with little opportunity to bail, will be far more enjoyable if risk elements are reduced in advance.

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